The word “probiotics” literally means “for life” and is the opposite of the word antibiotic. Probiotics are good bacteria that can help boost the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut, whereas antibiotics attack and kill infections and unwanted bacteria. For animals, probiotics are more commonly referred to as direct fed microbials, or DFM’s.

Every animal with a digestive system, including humans, has bacteria in their digestive system. Without bacteria an animal could not digest food. Animals have an extremely complex collection of about 100 trillion microorganisms in their entire digestive tract. The intestine of animals contain billions of bacteria, some of which are beneficial (good bacteria), and some which are pathogenic (bad bacteria). Under certain conditions, such as stress, traveling, and antibiotic treatment, the natural balance of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system is disrupted. The number of pathogens increase while the number of beneficial organisms decrease, causing digestion upsets including: diarrhea, constipation, and discomfort. In animals, DFM’s can restore the normal balance in the gut and improve the overall health of the animal.

Product forms include gels, boluses, suspensions, drenches, tabs, and powders for individual servings; feed granules for top dressing or mixing in feed and water-dispersible powder for top dressing or mixing in milk replacer or water.

The Most Researched DFM

More than 95 individual studies have been performed at universities and under practical field conditions throughout the United States and the world. These trials, involving more than 30,000 animals, have shown the positive effects of Probios® Microbial Products in a variety of animal species, including dairy, beef, swine, and sheep.

Other studies have shown the positive influences of Probios® Microbial Products in starter, grower, and finisher pigs, chickens, turkeys, and horses.